Marcia Webb-Donarumo
Hello, my name is Marcia Webb-Donarumo. I am 48-years-old. Much to my chagrin, I did not complete my Bachelor Degree program when I was younger. I completed up through my first semester, junior year. Unfortunately, due to a falling out with my parents, I unexpectedly had to move out and start supporting myself. I did not make enough money to continue my education at that time.
I always enjoyed school, the academics, learning new things, being exposed to new ideas. I always imagined that I would go back and complete my education. As time went on though, I never seemed to be in a stable enough financial position to go ahead and do that. Eventually, I married and started a family.
My husband and I work very hard to provide for our family, but always feel we are just one step ahead of financial disaster. As we get older, we feel more and more trapped by our jobs, feeling that we cannot just up and start something new, and fear what would happen should either of us lose our jobs. Nor do we have the financial means to pursue the education that would help either of us advance, or allow us more earning potential.
Over the years, I did manage to work my way up to a job that I very much enjoy, I am a Business Analyst for a software company. I deal with Property and Casualty Insurance products. I have been in my position for over 10 years now. I am very fortunate in that I work from home. This has been ideal circumstances for raising our four children, ages 12, 10 (twins) and 7. However, I know I have paid an economic price for choosing to have a family. That as a result of not having a degree, taking maternity leave for each of my children, and of course because I value family first over career, my income level is not as high as it could have been. Do not think that because my family comes before my career, however, that I have not been an exceptional and valuable asset to the company. I always give 110 percent.
I have been thinking for some time now, that I really do need to finish up my degree. There are many reasons for this. One of the foremost is to be a role model for my children. Another reason is that I am always concerned about my ability to find other employment in this very competitive job market today.
As I get older, I worry that I may end up going backwards should I lose my job, because I have not completed my degree. That in the event of job loss, I would not be able to provide for my family. I also realize, as I get older, it is very easy to become comfortable and not challenge myself. Completing my degree would challenge me, expose me to new things, force me to embark upon a new adventure that would have long term, beneficial results for me and my family.
Online education would very much fit into my current life. With working full-time, and raising my family, taking classes online would be manageable. One of the reasons I have not pursued the completion of my degree is being unable to attend classes on a campus, and of course the cost. When I came across this program, I thought, why not apply? What a wonderful opportunity for me to finally pursue a long, pushed aside dream if I am lucky enough to be awarded a scholarship.
I hope to continue in my career as a Business Analyst, but to expose myself to other technologies. I primarily work with Mainframe processes. Completing my degree would provide that exposure. My goal is to become more marketable as well to continue to be valuable resource now and in the future.
I want to show my children that although the path may be long, and at times seem insurmountable, that to pursue your dreams is the way to live your life.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my application.